Lower Zambezi National Park
The lower Zambezi River is essentially the stretch that runs downstream from Kariba Gorge to the Mozambique border. This section is particularly well known for the Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site on the Zimbabwean bank. There are national parks on both sides of the river, however, with the Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zambian side. The area is best experienced via a canoe safari or a combination walking/canoeing safaris.
The Zambian shoreline has a selection of excellent safari lodges bordering and within the Lower Zambezi National Park. Elephant poaching in recent years has declined with the presence of safari operators in the area and game has improved dramatically as a result.
This part of the valley with its riverine forests, broad flood plain and woodlands in the hills towards and beyond the escarpment provide excellent habitats and the birding is spectacular year round. Access into the Lower Zambezi National Park during the green season is available but in our opinion not a good idea - an option is to canoe on the Zimbabwean shoreline during the rainy season - late November to mid April.
Wildlife congregate near the river in the dry season and everyday sightings of large, majestic Zambezi elephant that criss-cross back and forth across the river without care for passports and border posts, are very regularly sighted. Lions are also spotted frequently, as are leopard, and packs of wild dog also frequent the area.
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Our Recommended Tours
Lower Zambezi - Chirundu to Kanyemba - 8 days/7 nights
Special price valid November to June per person (low season).
This semi-participatory canoe safari options begins and ends in Kariba (we can meet you in Lusaka and transfer you to Kariba); we recommend spending the night prior to trip departure in Kariba town. This is a self-contained safari. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. They are to a small extent participatory; however the guides do the cooking and washing up.
Zambezi river Namibia, Vic Falls and Zambia's lower Zambezi - 9 nights/10 days
Starting and ending in Lusaka or Livingstone Victoria Falls. The accommodation is in comfortable well-appointed lodges and although the emphasis is on fishing, game viewing activities are also included. The price includes all transfers and flights, full board accommodation, park fees.
This 9 night itinerary takes in three areas on the mighty Zambezi River from the Upper Zambezi on the Namibian border to Victoria Falls, finishing on the Lower Zambezi.
On this trip you'll fish for the Tiger fish, Yellow Belly Bream, Three Spot Bream and Kafue Pike on the upper Zambzi and you'll fish for Tiger Fish and the giant Vundu catfish. The Lower Zambezi is also home to Three Spot Bream, Red Breasted Bream, Nile Bream, Chessa, Nkupi, Bottlenose and the Cornish Jack.
South Luangwa NP and Lower Zambezi river - 11 days/10 nights
The Zambia Explorer uses camps which are extremely comfortable, small and intimate and all with en suite bathroom with hot and cold running water. On the walks, which are taken at a slow pace (not an army route march), there are porters who carry refreshments and any extra equipment you may wish to take. The drives are in open four wheel drive vehicles, with 3 tier seats for uninhibited viewing, and no more than 6 people are taken at a time to avoid discomfort in the vehicle. Boating, Canoeing and fishing on the lower Zambezi is available as a morning or afternoon excursion - the choice is yours!
Other Options
The Lower Zambezi National Park is best combined with the South Luangwa National Park and Livingstone to see the magnificent Victoria Falls.
You'll need at least two weeks to do a trip to Zambia justice as you need a minimum of three nights in each separate camp to get a real feel for the place.
Zambia Safari Spots
South Luangwa National Park | North Luangwa National Park| Lower Zambezi | Kafue National Park | Livingstone | Liuwa Plains | Kasanka | Bangweulu Swamps | Western Zambia | Nchila Reserve | Mutinondo Wilderness | Shiwa Ng'andu | Lochinvar | Lusaka | Chimfunshi
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